When I was asked to make my research public I felt I was standing on the shoulders of, and walking with, giants so I looked within to find out if I was dealing with imposter syndrome or a protective friend. I reminded myself of the importance of being ok with what I’m good at.
It is December 2021. I am in my son’s nursery praying to the gods of sleep to be merciful and I receive an email from the Head of the MA in Children’s Literature at Goldsmith’s University. The email was asking if I would be happy for my research to be included in a publication of innovative research studies. My work would be one of nineteen MA alumni contributions of ‘outstanding research studies’.
Well
I thought…
I’m imagining there has been some sort of mistake here
Yes.
There it was in all its glory.
The gnarled claw of my old friend/foe: Lord Imposter of the Syndrome family. Their grip tightening on my heart, my gut and my voice.
Why on earth would they want my research in that book? Have they seen the other contributors… they’re incredible!? Would I feel like a complete fraud standing amongst those guys? Er yeah! I would only have to redraft it now anyway because there is no way it is good enough for publication.
Such lovely, helpful thoughts.